The best Hawaii bucket list tours include helicopter rides over the Big Island, Na Pali Coast tours on Kauai, circling the Koolau Mountains on Oahu, Haleakala sunrise on Maui, and shark cage diving on the North Shore.
These experiences highlight Hawaii’s top scenery, culture, and adventure activities across all major islands.
Prefer to watch or listen? Click the icons, or scroll to read.
Table of Contents
Is there a top 10 honorable mention bucket list activity?
Traveling between islands takes the honorable mention for the Hawaii bucket list tours.
While you can fly, the Pride of America is the easiest option between the Hawaiian Islands. You can expect to spend more time in the airport than in the plane, regardless of which one you are heading to or from.
Whatʻs the most unforgettable tour of Hawaii island.
The island is massive, so a helicopter is a good bet for sightseeing.
Admittedly, this is a great activity for any island. Plus itʻs hard to choose a favorite activity, we call it Big Island for a reason. There is so much to see and do on the youngest island in the chain.
Is there a best options for seeing a volcano?
There are various great ways to visit Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii.
Apart from the skies, you can rent a car in either Hilo or Kona. Plus, you can return it on either side, which makes it much more convenient. There are several tours from both Towns which will make the trip simple and smooth.
Where can you see the best sunrise view in the Islands?
Depends on personal preference, but most would say Haleakala on the Valley Isle of Maui.
Other people (us) might say Halona Blow Hole on Oahu. But in general, the rule of thumb is the most Eastern point or the higher up the better.
What is the best island to try paddle boards or kayaks?
The Wailua River is an excellent place to try a paddleboard or kayak.
But thatʻs not the only place you can give this family-friendly activity a try. However, if youʻve never tried either before itʻs best to stick to paddleboarding here or the Anahulu Stream in Haleiwa.
Do we have a favorite Oahu circle island tour?
We always recommend private tours so you can customize the day for your family.
This is another one thatʻs good on any island. But you probably wonʻt be able to (or shouldnʻt) drive completely around any of the four main Hawaiian Islands. Especially, if you decided to rent a Mustang or Camarro.
Whats the most popular Hawaii bucket list tour?
Thatʻs got to be the Pearl Harbor National War Memorial on Oahu.
Itʻs not even close. This is by far the busiest attraction in the State. So plan accordingly. Make reservations for the Arizona Memorial, especially if you are traveling in the Summer or during the holidays. But cruise ship days can be busy as well, especially if there are two.
Who has our favorite historic and cultural tours on Oahu?
Definitely, Iolani Palace or the Bishop Museum near Downtown Honolulu.
But they are not the only ones, either. If youʻre looking for culture, youʻll find it. All the way from the taro patches of Waimea, Kauai, to Konaʻs ʻPlace of Refuge.ʻ
How can you find the tour with the best island views?
Undoubtedly subjective, but we love the view of the breathtaking Na Pali Coastline on the island of Kauai.
Some contenders are the stars atop Mauna Kea and the waterfalls in the Koolau Mountains of Oahu. But that barely scrates the surface.
What is the best adventure tour in Hawaii?
You canʻt get much more extreme than swimming with sharks.
Although you can definitely try, don’t try to imitate what you saw in the Chief of War Series. From skydiving to riding the old sugar cane ditches in intertubes, Hawaii has it all. Not to mention the surfing and traditional Hawaiian sports.
What is our absolute favorite excursion in the islands?
Itʻs custom private tours of Oahu, of course.
But you can keep reading for more about our favorite family activity for a Hawaiian vacation.
Tour Guide & Local Founder
In a ʻpast lifeʻ I was lucky enough to travel the neighbor islands building manuals. My job was to do every tour we offered. As a bonus, I got to train on the Pride of America. So this list covers all the largest Hawaiian Islands.
ʻEvery destination we requested and then someʻ — Erica
Hawaii bucket list at glance
Best Hawaii Bucket List Tours by Category
If you prefer a quick overview, start with our top picks by category below. Then scroll down for detailed insights, tips, and booking advice for each experience.
| Activity | Island | Best For | Reservations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10. Helicopter Tour | Hawaii | Adventure | Book early |
| 9. Visiting Volcanoes | Hawaii | Nature & geology | Not required |
| 8. Sunrise/Sunset | Maui | Scenic views | Sunrise required |
| 7. SUP or Kayak | Kauai | Jungle adventure | Recommended |
| 6. Circle Island Tour | Oahu | First-time visitors | Book early |
| 5. Pearl Harbor | Oahu | Military history | Recommended |
| 4. Historic Museums | Oahu | Culture & artwork | Depends |
| 3. Na Pali Coast | Kauai | Iconic scenery | Required |
| 2. Shark Cage Dive | Oahu | Thrill seekers | Required |
| 1. Give Back | All Islands | Meaningful travel | Optional |
The most critical Hawaii travel tip: don’t wait to book. Many tours and activities sell out weeks in advance, especially during summer or the holidays. Missing the one thing you were most excited about can leave a lasting regret, and who wants that on vacation?
Hawaii tips based on where you stay
Your bucket list will look a little different depending on where you’re based. Staying in Waikiki? You’ll find it easy to knock out several highlights, even if you only have one day on Oahu, and even catch neighbor island experiences with a quick day trip.
Best ways to get around Hawaii
Transportation to and around the islands is one of the most significant factors in how much you can experience.
- Oahu: Car optional. Public buses, the new light rail, taxis, and rideshares make it easy to get around Honolulu. But if you want to explore beyond the city, think North Shore surf breaks, Windward Coast beaches, or Pearl Harbor, a rental car or guided tour is the way to go.
- Big Island, Maui, and Kauai: Car or tour essential. These islands are bigger, spread out, and less connected by public transit. Driving yourself means flexibility, but guided tours let you relax and just take in the views.
- Guided vs. Self-Guided: Tours provide insider access and storytelling you might otherwise miss. If you’re more independent, GPS audio tours are a fun option. They cue up history, legends, and local tips automatically as you drive.
Can you travel between islands in Hawaii?
Yes, but it’s not as simple as hopping in a car. Interisland flights are frequent, especially from Honolulu, but costs and time add up quickly. If you want a sampler of multiple islands, one unique option is the Pride of America Cruise, which sails round-trip from Honolulu and stops at Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai. Since the ship moves at night, you wake up ready to explore a new island each day.
Top 10 Hawaii bucket list tours & activities
10. Helicopter tour of Hawaii Island
The Big Island was made for helicopter adventures. It’s the only way to truly grasp how massive and diverse this island really is.
- Youʻll soar above waterfalls that would take all day to hike
- Fly over fresh lava fields from the Kilauea Volcano
- Catch a glimpse of the snowy summit of Mauna Kea
- Cover the same ground in a few hours as a car in a day
- Best for: Adventurers, extreme sightseeing, and photographers
- Skip if: You are afraid of heights or on a tight budget
- Pro Tip: Fly early for smoother skies and best visibility
Can you choose your seat on a helicopter?
Helicopters typically seat their guests for even distribution. So you normally don’t get to pick your seat. There is also a weight limit, so always check ahead. But keep in mind, itʻs for everyones safety, thereʻs no need to be shy.
9. Explore Volcanoes National Park
Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? No trip to Hawaii Island feels complete without exploring Volcanoes National Park.
- Drive yourself or join a guided tour from Hilo, Kona, or Waikaloa
- Puuhonua o Honaunau and Kealakekua Bay on the Kona side
- Lava landscapes, steam vents, and the Halemaumau Crater
- Don’t miss Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach or a Kona coffee farm
- Best for: Nature lovers, geologists, and first timers
- Skip if: Donʻt want to drive or expect guaranteed lava
- Pro Tip: Keep checking updates and dusk is a good option
Will you see lava on Hawaii island?
8. Sunrise or Sunset on Haleakala, Maui
Watching the sun rise above the clouds at Haleakala is a memory you’ll carry forever. Don’t want a 3 am wake-up call? Sunset is just as spectacular and far less crowded.
- Reservations are required for sunrise, and with good reason
- Any time of day offers beautiful views of the volcanic crater
- Sunset at the top is just as spectacular and far less crowded
- Youʻll see endemic silver swords and beloved nene goose
- Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, and scenic views
- Skip if: You donʻt do high elevations or arenʻt ready for cold
- Pro Tip: Bring whatever warm clothes and blankets you have
Is Lahaina Town open or still recovering?
Parts of it are open. But please know that recovery is ongoing. Respect closures and local guidelines, but don’t skip the island. Maui is still open, welcoming, and full of beauty.
7. Paddle or kayak the Wailua River on Kauai
Rent a kayak for independence or join a guided trip that blends paddling with Hawaiian history. Either way, it’s a serene but adventurous way to see the wilder side of Kauai.
- The Wailua River is one of Hawaii’s only navigable rivers
- It winds through lush jungle, leading to waterfalls and cliff jumps
- Dock your equipment in the river and visit the Fern Grotto
- Donʻt forget to grab life jackets from where you get equipment
- Best for: Nature lovers, adventurers, couples and older kids
- Skip if: You canʻt swim or donʻt want to paddle 3 or 4 miles
- Pro Tip: Go early in the morning for calmer winds and crowds
Where can you rent SUPʻs and kayaks?
6. Your Oahu Private Circle Island Tours
Oahu is called the Gathering Place for a reason; it’s a little bit of everything. Circle the island in a private vehicle and check off all the highlights and hidden gems.
- Explore the North Shore and eat in Haleiwa or Kahuku Towns
- Visit wonderfully soft windward beaches with calm, clear sea
- Chase waterfalls in the dramatic Koolau mountains range
- Sightsee, snorkel, or hike volcanoes on the South Shore
- Best for: First timers, old favorites, short stays, Oahu highlights
- Skip if: You prefer to stay at the resort or packed pans
- Pro Tip: Often comparable to group tours for large families
Can you see the island and Pearl Harbor?
Of course, if you have the right guide or your own rental car. Itʻs pretty easy to tour Pearl Harbor and Circle Oahu. But if you want to see every Memorial, itʻs best to split those into two seperate trips.
5. Visit the Pearl Harbor National War Memorial
The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center remains one of Hawaii’s most moving sites. This is where over 2,000 people lost their lives after a few short hours.
- Arizona Memorial draws the most visitors and needs tickets
- The Battleship Missouri is where World War II came to an end
- Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is a family-friendly favorite
- The USS Bowfin Submarine and Museum is an easy addition
- Best for: History, military families, and half-day trips
- Skip if: If arenʻt interested or donʻt have the time to stop
- Pro Tip: Reserve tickets for the Arizona and Utah Memorials
Should you visit Pearl Harbor on your own?
Whether you should go with a guide or on your own depends on you. But before you decide, we have some island secrets for the best way to visit Pearl Harbor. It is an (actual) insider guide with tips from over a decade around the Memorial.
4. Iolani Palace and Bishop Museum
Honolulu is home to Iolani Palace, and nearby museums holds world-class cultural and scientific collections. Both offer guided tours, or you can wander at your own pace. Together, they deepen your understanding of Hawaii’s living culture.
- To tour the royal palace, itʻs smart to book in advance
- Offer a wide variety of guided and self-guided tours.
- Plus, they just added the King Kalakaua Legacy Tour
- Bishop Museum doesnʻt require reservations to visit
- See Hawaiian and Pacific Hall plus the Geology Display
- Native Plant Garden and unique daily scheduled events
- Rotating temporary exhibits and featured festivals
- Best for: A deeper understanding of the Hawaiian Islands
- Skip if: Have already been or prefer action or outdoor activities
- Pro Tip: Easily combine both in a day, theyʻre both in Honolulu
Are there any other museums in Honolulu?
Yes. From the Museum of Arts to smaller, specialized mom-and-pop-style spots, there’s plenty of culture to enjoy. But you donʻt have to break the bank, there are a variety of free museums in Waikiki.
3. See the Na Pali Coastline in person
Few landscapes compare to Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, towering green cliffs, hidden valleys, and pristine beaches. But there are almost as many options to see it, and each offers a unique angle.
- Make the hike to Hanakapia Falls, but donʻt swim in the ocean
- Youʻll need reservations before you make the trek
- Helicopters offer breathtaking views of this unforgettable coast
- Try to fly in the morning when the winds are calmer
- Boat and catamaran cruises offer an opportunity to get close
- Test chance is in the summer when waves are smaller
- Best for: Iconic scenery, photography, and serious hikers
- Skip if: You get seasick or donʻt like helicopters and hikes
- Pro Tip: No matter how you want to visit, book in advance
What is so special about Kauai?
One thing is that King Kamehameha never managed to conquer Kauai. Looking at these cliffs, it’s easy to see why. Plus, you might recognize them from Jurassic Park and Pirates of the Caribbean.
2. Swim with sharks on the North Shore of Oahu
For adrenaline seekers, this is the one. Take a smooth relaxing dip in the ocean, with some of the most fearsome predators on Earth. But donʻt worry, if you get seasick, that just brings more in to investigate.
- Choose a cage dive for a safer, more traditional thrill
- If you’re really brave, swim without one alongside pros
- Generally, you see Maco or Galapagos sharks 3 miles out
- On a rare occasion, you might spot a Tiger or a Great White
- Best for: Thrill seekers and more adventurous travelers
- Skip if: Youʻve ever seen the movie Jaws (mostly joking)
- Pro Tip: Morning tours generally offer smoother seas
Want even more of an epic Oahu adventure?
One company even offers a SEAL-style experience. It blends ocean survival skills with real-world training in Hawaiian waters. Not to mention, thereʻs always skydiving, on Oahu at least.
1. Give back to the islands and Community
Our top bucket list activity isn’t just about what you see. It’s about what you give.
- Reduce (especially water), reuse, and recycle are big here
- Many houseless people collect cans and bottles for money
- Join a community work day, reef or beach cleanup on the island
- Help restore a fishpond or get to work in a taro patch
- You can plant native trees as a way to erase your carbon print
- Hawaii is always short on blood donations, and there are snacks
- Purchase Krispy Kreme Donuts on the side of the road
- Sports teams and hula halauʻs often do this as a fundraiser
- Best for: Families, and conscious travelers looking for more
- Skip if: You donʻt like saving money or working on vacation
- Pro Tip: In Hawaii, no matter how much you give, you get more
Why would I want to volunteer on vacation?
You’ll make memories, connect with the community, and leave Hawaii a little better than you found it. Plus, giving back often comes with perks like discounts on private tours.
Discount Hawaii bucket list activities
If you’re ready to tackle multiple experiences, our Buy 2, Get the 3rd Half Price offer is a simple way to save. We also offer private half-day and transfer tours. Theyʻre perfect if you want to see highlights without the hassle and still make your flight, cruise, or dinner reservation.
We hope this list gave you inspiration, insider tips, and practical advice for planning your Hawaii adventure. From cultural treasures to thrilling adventures, each island offers something unique.
Book early, plan smart, and leave room for serendipity because some of the best moments on Oahu are the ones you didn’t plan at all.
